Prefabricated building unit



Oct. 13, 1964 MCCRORY ETAL 3,152,366

PREFABRICATED BUILDING UNIT Filed Dec. 27, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 H t I l I00 I00 I I. 2 30 e 80 cl 38 ,I

/F'//; i LBJ A 'g L 4' I A FIG. I

FIG. 2

INVENTOR. Taouu L. McOnonY DONALD T. KoPnL' ATTORNEY Oct. 13, 1964 T. M cRoRY ETAL 3,152,366

PREFABRICATED BUILDING UNIT Filed Dec. 2:. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 46 I06 INVENTOR. 54 92 '03 Tnouu L.McCnom' BY DouALoT. Kenn. F K5. 4

ATTOR N'E Y Oct. 13, 1964 T. 1.. MccRoRY ETAL 3,152,366

PREFABRICATED BUILDING UNIT Filed Dec. 27, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. I2

60 M& K B'O'K I I 80 80' 8O l I I FIG. l3

FIG. '0

INVENTOR. Taurus L. McCnonv Y DONALDT. KOPPEL ATTOR N EY United States Patent 3,152,366 PREFABHCATED BEJ'EJDlNG UNlT Thomas L. MeCrory, 423 Meadow Brook Lane, and Donald T. Koppel, Phillips Apts., both of Bartlesvilie, Okla.

Filed Dec. 27, 1960, Ser. No. 73,595 3 Claims. (Cl. Zti-Z) This invention relates to building members. In one aspect, the invention relates to prefabricated building units and to buildings constructed therefrom. In a more specific aspect, the invention relates to the provision of building units which can be prefabricated and assembled into building structures.

Various types of building structures are known to the prior art. These include prefabricated building structures which are desirably partially fabricated at a central location and assembled at the building site. The prior art devices are relatively limited in their applications and are not susceptible to easy modification to provide the desired size and utility. In view of the deficiencies of the prior art structures, a need exists in the art for a building structure preferably capable of being prefabricated and assembled in sections which is highly versatile and capable of many uses and modifications.

In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention a prefabricated unit is provided which is preferably triangular in shape and constructed so as to be assembled with a plurality of similar units to obtain a building of the desired size and shape. Preferably, the subunit includes floor and roof sections with suitable frame mountable on the floor to support the roof section when mounted. Wall sections are preferably provided and positionable at the perimeter of the structure constructed with these units to close the structure. The subunits are preferably made in the shape of an equilateral triangle. The units can be assembled into a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

In another preferred specific embodiment of the invention, a building structure is provided. Preferably, the building structure is composed of a plurality of units capable of being prefabricated. The units preferably include floor and roof sections and frame means therewith. Preferably, the sections or units are formed in the shape of equilateral triangles and assembled in abutting relation, such construction providing a building of the desired shape or size which is capable of being easily expanded by the addition of similar units. Wall sections are preferably provided as desired at the outside of the building to close same.

It is an object of the invention to provide new building means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building subunit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building subunit capable of assembly with other such units to provide a readily expandable building structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new building unit capable of being constructed in sections for easy assembly at the location of the building.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new building subunit which is constructed and adapted so as to be joined with similar subunits to provide a building of the desired size and which is readily expandable by the addition of similar units.

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A further object of the invention is to provide a new building structure.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new prefabricated building structure.

Ano her object of the invention is to provide a new prefabricated building structure composed of a plurality of similar units which can be prefabricated in the shop and assembled at the building site.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new prefabricated building structure constructed in units and capable of being expanded as desired by the addition of similar units at a relatively low cost.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description taken in connection with the accom any-ing drawings, in which:

FlG. l is a side elevation view of a preferred specific embodiment of a building constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the building shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a preferred specific embodiment of the building unit of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross section view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross section view showing another preferred corner construction.

PEG. 6 is an enlarged cross section view showing the preferred column construction where several building units are joined.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross section view partially broken away and taken along the line 77 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are plan views showing typical preferred groupings of building constructions utilizing the preferred constructions of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are plan views of preferred roof constructions.

The following is a discussion and description of pr ferred specific embodiments of the new prefab unit of the invention, such being made with reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 3 and 7, a preferred specific embodiment of the subunit of the invention is shown. The subunit includes a floor section shown generally at 16 which is preferably constructed of an upper panel 18 and a lower panel 24) which are separated by frame means shown at 22. The frame means 22 is preferably along the outer periphery of the upper and lower panels 18 and 2t Preferably, the floor section 16 is constructed in the shape of an equilateral triangle. Thus, each of the sides of the floor unit 16 is equal in length to the other sides and the angles between the sides are each 60 degrees. If desired, the space between the panels 18 and 29 and the frame members 22 can be filled with a suitable insulating material 2 2- such as batt insulation. The upper panel 18 can be constructed of or be covered by conventional flooring materials, such as wood blocks, linoleum, tiles, etc.

The floor section 16 is supported by suitable supports or foundations. Preferably supports of the type shown in FiGS. l, 3 and 7 are provided. These include a lower cylindrical member 26 which is supported in any suitable manner, such as in the concrete pad 23 which can be on or in the supporting surface. An upper tubular member 3% has a flat plate 32 secured to the upper end thereof in any suitable manner, such as by welding or the like. Bolts 34 pass through apertures in the mounting plates 32 and through the power panel 2i) and frame members 22 of the floor section 26. Suitable recesses can be provided in the frame members 22 as best seen in FIG. 7 to receive the threaded end portion of the mounting bolts 34 and a nut 36 is secured thereto to removably mount the floor sections 16 on the plates 32. An intermediate tubular member 38 is preferably provided and is adjustably connected to the lower support member 2.6 by a collar 4% which threadedly receives the end of the members 26 and 38. The members 39 and 38 are preferably joined by an adjustable externally threaded member 42-. The supporting structure as described hereinabove is preferred since the building structure can be easily supported on irregular terrain as indicated in FIG. 1 merely by adjusting the center portion of the support. The plates 32 on the upper end of the support structures are preferably of such size as to receive and support more than one of the triangular floor sections 16. Thus, three supports are indicated in FIG. 3, one of such being positioned to receive the inner corner of the floor section 16 and the other two positioned along the edges of the floor section 16 near the outer side thereof with a portion of the plates 32 extending to the sides and end of the floor section 16. Adjacent ones of the door sections 16 can thus be bolted onto the center plate 32. and to the plates 32 at the sides of the floor section. Conventional foundation structures can be utilized, if desired.

A common angle iron 44 or the like is preferably secured to panel 18 of floor section 16 adjacent to the outer edge thereof and generally parallel thereto. Preferably, the angle iron 44 is secured to the floor section 16 by common wood screws or the like with one portion of the angle iron extending upwardly.

Frame means are preferably provided to support the roof and wall sections. A preferred construction of these frame means is shown in the drawings. The frame means includes angle columns 46 which are preferably constructed of two side members .8 and 55) and when the building unit is in the shape of an equilateral triangle the sides 48 and 50 preferably define a 60 degree angle therebetween. The angle columns are secured in one end portion to the floor section 16 in any suitable manner, such as by providing a plate 52 which can be secured to the column 46 in any suitable manner, such as by Welding. A lag screw or bolt 54- (FIG. 4) can be provided to pass through the plate and bolt the angle column in position on the floor section 16. Preferably, two of the angle columns 46 are provided and are secured to the floor section 16 adjacent to the ends of the angle iron 44. If desired, the angle columns 46 can be secured to the angle iron 44.

A generally channel shaped lintel S6 is preferably provided and is secured in its end portions to the upper end portions of the angle columns 46 in any suitable manner. When the subunit is of the equilateral triangular shape, the ends of the lintel shaped member are preferably constructed at 60 degree angles to the base portion of the lintel. The ends are preferably partially closed by a plate 58, FIG. 7, which can be provided with apertures to receive mounting bolts and the like to secure adjacent lintels together when a plurality of the units are assembled. Preferably, the plate 53 extends over only a portion of the width of the lintel 56 so that electrical wiring, tubing and the like can be positioned within the lintels and passed from one subunit to the other through the remaining open space.

A roof section is shown generally at 69 and is preferably positioned so as to be inclined relative to the rest of the structure in the common manner. The roof section 60 is preferably dimensioned so as to overlie the floor section 16 when mounted. The roof section 60 is preferably constructed of an upper panel 62 and a lower panel 64 having suitable insulating material 66 therebetween. Frame members 68 are preferably provided around the outer periphery of the roof section 69 to space panels 62 and 64. The upper edge portion of lintel 56 is preferably inclined and roof section 619 is secured thereto in any suitable manner, such as by wood screws or the like passing through apertures in the lintel 56 and into the frame members 68.

A removable overhang member 74) can be provided and secured to the frame member 6% of the roof section 60 by mounting bolt '72 or the like. A removable panel 75 can be provided with roof section 60 to provide access to the interior portion of the roof section to secure the mounting bolts '72 in position. Preferably, the roof section 60 and the overhang 7t? are covered with a metal, plastic or other suitable roofing material 74 as indicated in FIG. 7. If

desired, the roofing material 74 can be provided in sections which are overlapped adjacent to a frame member '76 to prevent water leakage and the like. Also, the upper panel 62 of roof section 69 can be formed of shingles or other roofing material and the roofing material 74 can be dispensed with, if desired.

A rectangular wall section shown generally at is preferably provided to cover the outside of the building unit. A preferred construction of the wall panel 80 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 and includes a generally rectangular inner wall panel 82 which preferably has a frame 84 of wood, plastic or other suitable material secured to the outside surface thereof and desirably positioned along the outer edges thereof. A rectangular outer wall panel 86 is secured to the frame 84 and preferably is dimensioned so as to project beyond the sides thereof. Preferably suitable insulation material 88, such as plastic foam insulation or the like, is preferably provided and is positioned between the wall panels 82 and 86 within the frame 84.

The lower edge of the frame 84 is preferably provided with an elongated slot 90 as shown in FIG. 7, the slot 90 preferably being dimensioned so as to receive the up wardly extending portion of the metal angle 44 to accurately locate the wall panel 86 in position.

In order to seal the wall section relative to the rest of the building unit, a suitable sealing strip 92, such as a vinyl gasket sealing strip or the like, is preferably secured to the inside surface of the outer wall panel 56 along the portions thereof which project beyond the frame 84. When the wall section 80 is in position the projecting portions of the panel 86 having the sealing strip 2 thereon will engage the floor section 16, the lintel 56 and the edges of the angle columns 46 so as to provide a continuous seal around the wall sections and prevent wind, water and the like from seeping therethrough. A similar sealing strip 94 can be positioned along the lower edge of the lower portion of frame member 84 to engage the upper panel 18 of floor section 16, if desired.

When side and roof section 66 are in position, a panel $5 (FIG. 7) is desirably positioned between roof section 66 and the side 89 to cover the lintel 56 and present a more pleasing appearance from the inside. The outside of lintel 56 is normally covered by the extended portion of panel 86, as is the end of floor section 16.

The construction of the preferred specific embodiment of the subunit as described hereinabove can be easily fabricated in sections in the shop and assembled on location. Thus, the support members which are already in sections can be shipped to the building location in the sections and assembled thereon. The individual floor sections 16, roof sections 69, overhang member 76 and wall section 8% can likewise be preassembled at the shop if.

desired and shipped to the building site. The support members are then assembled and the floor section 16 is secured thereto. The angle columns 46 and angle iron 44 are then secured in position on the floor section 16 and the lintel 56 completing the frame is positioned on the angle columns 46. The roof section 60 and overhang 70 can then be secured in place. A plurality of these subunits or sections can be assembled in abutting relation to provide a building structure of almost any size or shape. A specific example of a building constructed of a plurality of these sections is shown in the drawings in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The building structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 consist of six of the subunits as described hereinbefore. Initially, seven of the support members are secured in spaced relation, one of the support members being at the center of the building structure and the other six being spaced radially therefrom and positioned so that one of said supports is beneath the abutting edge of each two of the floor sections 16. Thus, the middle support and the plate 32 thereon will receive the inner end portion of each of the triangular floor sections 16 which are bolted thereto.

Each of the remaining six supports and the plates 32 thereon receive the edges of two adjacent floor sections 16 which are abutted and secured to the plate 32. If desired, the contacting edges of the floor sections 16 can have suitable sealing strips thereon to provide an air tight structure. Preferably the outer supports are positioned adjacent to the outer edge of the floor sections.

With the floor sections 16 in position, the angle irons 44 are secured along the outside edges of the building and the angle columns 46 are mounted on the floor section 16 adjacent to the ends of the angle iron 44. The lintels 56 are then secured to the upper end portion of the angle columns 4-6. Six of the lintels will be utilized, one for each of the building sections or units, and adjacent lintels will be secured to each other by suitable mounting bolts passing through the plates 53 of adjacent lintels. The angle columns 46 and lintels 56 form a framework upon which the roof sections 60 and wall sections 86 are secured. The roof sections 60 are secured to the upper surface of the lintels 56 by wood screws or the like and the roof for the entire building will be self-supporting in the center by virtue of the fact that adjacent ones of the roof sections 60 will be abutting along their edges. \Vhile a center support for the roof sections is not ordinarily necessary, such can be provided, if desired. The overhang portions or members 70 are then secured to the roof sections 6'0 by the mounting bolts '72 and the roofing material 74 can be secured thereto. The outside of the building structure is then closed by the individual wall panels 80 positioned at the sides thereof with the slots 90 in frame members 84 receiving the angle irons 44. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall sections 80 can be provided with window 100 of common construction in the usual manner. Also, the outside doors can be provided as shown at 102 in FIG. 2. The use of the windows 100 and the doors 102 are widely variable and can be added or dispensed with as desired, depending upon the type of building being constructed and the intended use therefor.

in order to firmly secure the wall panels 80 in position, a plurality of closure plates 104 are preferably provided as best seen in FIG. 4. The closure plates 104 are preferably constructed or bent so as to provide two side portions 106 and 103 which are at an angle to each other. This can be done by bending a single metallic member or two fiat members can be rigidly secured together in any suitable manner, such as by Welding. When the individual building units are the equilateral triangular shape as described and the building being assembled is hexagonal in shape as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, then the sides 106 and 108 of the closure plate or member 104 define a 120 degree angle. The sides 106 and 108 of the closure plate 104 will be generally parallel to one side of each of the angle columns 46. The shank or stem portion 110 of a common bolt or the like is rigidly secured to a closure plate 104 at the intersection of the sides 106 and 108. The shank portion preferably is secured thereto so as to bisect the angle formed by the sides of the closure plate. The closure plate 104 is elongated and preferably extends from top to bottom of the side sections 80. The closure plate 104 is positioned as indicated in FIG. 4 with the stern of shank portion 110 extending between the angle columns 46 of adjacent sections or units and with the sides 106 and 108 abutting against the outer panels 86 of the Wall sections 80. If desired, suitable sealing materials can be used between the wall panels 86 and the closure plates 104.

An inner plate 112 is preferably used in connection with the closure plate 104, the inner plate 112 being apertured to receive the threaded end of the shank portion 110 and shaped at the outer edge portions to engage the inner panels 82 of the wall sections 80. Suitable sealing strips can also be provided, between the inner plates 112 and the inner panels 82, if desired. Spacer washers 114 are preferably utilized and are received by the shank portion 110 of closure plate 104 and positioned between the inner plate 112 and the angle columns 46. A common nut 116 fastens the closure plate 104, inner plate 112 and spacer washer 114 in position. In some instances, inner plate 112 and spacer washer 114 can be dispensed with and the shank portion 110 then need merely be long enough to pass through or between the angle columns 46 so that the nut 116 can engage the angle columns 46 to maintain the closure plate 104 in position.

The interior of each of the buildings constructed in the manner described hereinbefore can be provided with the usual facilities found in the ordinary home, or other types of buildings. An example is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this instance, a stove 120, refrigerator 122 and sink 124 are shown at the center portion thereof. An interior wall 126 separates the bathroom wherein the usual lavatory 128, toilet 130 and shower 132 are shown. A hot water tank is indicated at 134. The inner portion of the building can be divided by walls as desired.

While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the individual triangular units being assembled into a hexagonal shaped building structure, various other configurations can be provided by adding or subtracting triangular shaped units. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate representative expansion of this building structure. FIG. 8 illustrates two generally hexagonal building structures formed of twelve triangular subunits. In constructing such a unit, the triangular shaped units as shown in FIG. 3 are assembled together so as to provide two of the hexagonal shaped units as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 8, however, there is no need to provide the usual outside wall 80 between the one hexagonal unit 136 and the other unit 138. In this instance, the usual angle columns 46 and lintels 56 will be positioned along the line 140 with two sets of same in facing relation. Inside walls can be provided along the line 140, or such can be left open if desired.

The corners 142 and 144 of the building structure indicated in FIG. 8 require a somewhat diiferent closure plate. Such a closure plate is illustrated in FIG. 5. In this instance the closure plate 146 has side portions which are angled to define therebetween a 120 degree angle. The stem portion 148 is secured to the opposite face of the closure member 146 and defines a 120 degree angle with each of the side portions of the closure plate 146. The stem or shank portion 148 projects through the angle columns 46 as indicated and through an inner plate 150. Inner plate 150 is preferably shaped as indicated in FIG. 5 to engage the inner panels 82 of the wall sections 80. A spacer member 152 can be provided and is also received by the shank portion 48. Nut 154 is received by the threaded ends of the shank portion 148 to position the inner plate 150 in abutting relation against the sides 82 of the wall section 80 and to maintain the closure plate 146 in tight engagement with the outer panels 86 of the wall sections 80. The two constructions of clo- T? sure plates described permits the fastening nuts 116 and 154 to be positioned inside of the building, which is very desirable.

If desired, closure plates 104 and 146 can be of the same construction as closure plates 112 and 150. This would eliminate the necessity of fabricating additional parts or shapes and facilitate assembly of the units.

Even more of the triangular subunits can be utilized to provide a building structure as indicated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this instance, the triangular subunits are arranged so as to result in four generally hexagonal units 151, 153, 155 and 157. Here, as in FIG. 8, the floor sections and angle columns 46 and lintels 56 are assembled in the usual manner. The Wall sections 80 are usually provided only around the outer perimeter of the building structure. Since the lintels 56 still extend over the open floor section 16, inner walls can be provided and positioned thereon or the entire inner building structure can be left open. Also, the angle irons 44 can be dispensed with when the space between adjacent hexagonal units is left open. Since adjacent wall sections 80 around the outer periphery of the building structure illustrated in FIG. 9 all define either 60 or 120 degree angles, the closure plates 104 and 146 as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 can be utilized at every corner in the structure shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In FIG. 9, three of the generally hexagonal units meet at the point indicated at 156. The column construction at this point is indicated in FIG. 6, where six of the angle columns 146 are adjacent to each other but in spaced relation. Six of the lintels 56 will also meet at this point and be connected to adjacent lintels and the columns 46.

While FIGS. 8l0 indicate representative groupings of the triangular and hexagonal units, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this can be widely varied as desired depending upon the application for which the building is to be used. Furthermore, this construction provides a building structure which can be enlarged or reduced in size as desired. Also, since the individual wall panels 8:) are removable and need to be positioned only at the outside of the building structure formed by the triangular subunits, additional building units can be provided with a relatively small cost by utilizing wall sections from the existing building structure, thus necessitating only the addition of the floor sections 16, the angle columns and lintels as Well as roof sections therefor. Furthermore, while the triangular subunits have been assembled into the generally hexagonal building structures, it will be apparent that same can be assembled into any desired shape. For example, three additional triangular subunits could be added to unit 155 in the right side of the structure as shown in FIG. 9 and between units 153 and 157 so as to provide a straight or continuous wall along the right side of the building.

When the triangular subunits are utilized to build a hexagonal building structure as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a single type of overhang member 70 need be provided, this being indicated in FIG. 11 where the overhang member 70 is merely an extension of the roof section 60. When the triangular subunits are assembled into building structures having the shape indicated in FIGS. 8-10, the overhang section 7 9 must be modified accordingly. Thus, the overhang 161), FIG. 12, is constructed so as to be generally in the shape of a parallelogram. A similar overhang (not shown) will also be provided which is the mirror image of that illustrated in FIG. 12. The overhang 160 and the mirror image thereof will be utilized in a building structure as indicated in FIG. 8 with the overhangs meeting at the corners 142 and 144.

When a building construction of the type illustrated in FIGS. 9 and .10 is constructed, a still further type of overhang is provided as indicated at 162 in FIG. 13. Here,,the overhang 162 is generally in the shape of a trapezoid with the base thereof abutting the roof section 60 and the sides at a sixty degree angle to the base, The

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L; overhang 162 will be utilized at the right side of unit of FIG. 9, with the overhang 16% adjacent thereto on units 153 and 157. One of these three types of overhangs is preferably utilized around the outside of the entire building structure. Where the roof sections 60 abut at the center of the building structures such as between units 151, 153 and 155, no overhangs will be used.

As will be seen from the foregoing description, the triangular subunits, which are preferably equilateral triangular in shape, can be utilized to provide a wide variety of building sizes and/or shapes. Buildings constructed from these triangular subunits can be utilized for almost any use, such including conventional housing, beach or lakeside cabins, floating docks, barns or storage buildings, etc. Building structures constructed therefrom can be easily expandable either by triangular subunits or hexagonal units formed therefrom, and since fewer outside wall panels and overhangs are required with each expansion, the usable area provided by expansion can be obtained with a relatively lower cost per square foot.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

We claim:

1. A triangular subunit for a hexagonal prefabricated building structure comprising, in combination, a floor section, said floor section having upper and lower panels, insulating material between said panels, said floor section being in the shape of an equilateral triangle, an angle iron secured to the upper surface of said upper panel of said floor section adjacent to the outer edge of said floor section, said angle iron having one side thereof projecting upwardly, three adjustable supports, one of said supports being positioned beneath the inside corner of said floor section and the other two of said supports being positioned near the other two corners of said floor section and spaced inwardly from the outer edge of said floor section, each of said supports having a flat plate secured to the upper edge thereof, said flat plates extending beyond the outer edges of said floor section, said floor section being bolted to said plates to support said floor, three concrete foundation pads, the lower end of said supports being height adjustably connected to said pads, two elongated and equal sided angle columns, one end portion of each of said columns being secured to said fioor section adjacent opposite ends of said angle iron and projecting upwardly therefrom, the sides of said columns defining a 60 degree angle, a generally channel shaped lintel, the ends of said lintel being secured to the other end portions of said angle columns, said lintel being partially closed at the ends, a triangular shaped roof section, said roof section having upper and lower panels with insulating material therebetween, said roof section being dimensioned so as to overlie said floor section, the lower side of said roof section being secured to the upper longitudinal side of said lintel with said roof section being supported by said columns and said lintel, a removable overhang, said overhang being removably secured to the outer edge of said roof section, said overhang and said roof section being covered with a metal roofing material, a rectangular wall section, said wall section having a rectangular inner wall panel, a rectangular wooden frame secured to the outside surface of said inner wall panel and positioned at the edges thereof, a rectangular outer wall panel secured to said frame and projecting beyond the sides thereof, plastic foam insulation material filling the space between said frame and said outer and inner wall panels, the lower portion of said wooden frame having a centrally located slot extending the entire length thereof, said upwardly projecting side of said angle iron being received in said elongated slot in said lower portion of said frame of said wall section, said projecting portion of said outer wall panel of said wall section overlapping the outer edge of said floor section, said lintel and said angle columns, a continuous vinyl gasket sealing strip secured to the inside surface of said projecting portion of said outer wall panel, said sealing strip engaging said floor section, said lintel and said angle columns, an elongated outer closure plate engaging the vertical outer edge surface portion of said wall section and adapted in use to sealingly engage a similar adjacent wall section, and means to secure said plate in sealing relationship to said wall section, said subunit being constructed and adapted so that a plurality of said subunits of said hexagonal building structure can be assembled together to provide a compact unitary building structure.

2. A hexagonal prefabricated building structure comprising, in combination, seven supports, one of said supports being positioned at the center of said building structure and the remaining supports being equally spaced radially therefrom and equally spaced from adjacent supports, each of said supports having a flat plate secured to the upper edge thereof and being connected to a concrete foundation pad at the lower end thereof, an intermediate portion of each of said supports being height adjustable, and a plurality of equilateral triangular shaped subunits, each of said subunits having a floor section, each of said floor sections having upper and lower panels with insulating material therebetween, each of said floor sections being bolted to a portion of said plate on said center support and to a portion of said plates on two of said other supports with adjacent ones of said floor sections positioned in abutting relation, the upper surface of said upper panel of each of said floor sections having an angle iron secured thereto and positioned adjacent the outer edge thereof, each of said angle irons having one side thereof projecting upwardly, each of said triangular subunits having two elongated and equal sided angle columns, one end portion of each of said columns of each of said subunits being secured to said upper panel of said floor section adjacent the ends of said angle iron and projecting upwardly therefrom, the sides of each of said angle columns defining a 60 degree angle, the adjacent sides of said angle columns of adjacent triangular subunits being spaced from each other in generally parallel planes, each of said triangular subunits having a generally channel shaped lintel member secured to the other end portion of said angle columns and being secured in its end portions to adjacent ones of said lintels, and a roof, said roof being constructed of six triangular roof sections, each of said roof sections being dimensioned so as to overlie one of said floor sections of said triangular subunits, said roof sections being secured to said lintels and supported by said columns and said lintels, six removable overhangs, one of said overhangs being removably secured to the outer edge of each of said roof sections with adjacent ones of said overhangs in abutting relation, said roof sections and said overhangs being covered with a metal roofing material, six rectangular wall sections, each of said wall sections having a rectangular innner wall panel, each of said inner wall panels having a rectangular wooden frame secured to the outside surface thereof and positioned at the edges thereof, each of said frames having a rectangular outer wall panel secured thereto and projecting beyond the sides thereof, each of said wall sections having plastic foam insulation material filling the space between said frame and said outer and inner wall panels, the lower portion of each of said frames having a centrally located slot extending the entire length thereof, said upwardly projecting sides of said angle irons being received in said elongated slots in said lower portions of said frames of said wall sections, said projecting portion of said outer wall panel of each of said sections overlapping the adjacent edge of said floor section, said lintel and said angle columns, a continuous vinyl gasket sealing strip secured to the inside surface of said projecting portion of each of said outer wall panels, said sealing strips engaging said floor sections, said lintels and said angle columns, and six elongated closure plates, each of said closure plates being bent to define a 120 degree angle and positioned between adjacent ones of said wall sections with said plate engaging the outer surface of said outer wall panel of said wall sections, each of said closure plates having the shank portion of a bolt rigidly secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom to bisect the 120 degree angle defined by said closure plate and positioned between said angle columns of adjacent subunits, and six inner plates, each of said last-named plates being apertured to receive the shank portion of said bolts on said closure plates and engageable with the inner surface of said inner panels of adjacent ones of said wall sections, and a plurality of spacer washers, one of said spacer washers being received by the shank portion of each of said bolts on said closure plates and positioned between and engaging said angle columns and said inner plates, each of said bolts on said closure plates receiving a nut to rigidly secure said mounting plate, said inner plate and said spacer washers in position and to maintain said sides in position, said building being constructed and adapted so as to provide a prefabricated structure composed of subunits and expandable to any desired size by the addition of similar units.

3. A triangular subunit for a hexagonal prefabricated building structure comprising, in combination, a floor section, said floor section being in the shape of an equilateral triangle, an angle iron secured to the upper surface of said floor section adjacent the outer edge thereof, said angle iron having one side thereof projecting up- Wardly, a plurality of supports, one of said supports being positioned beneath the inside corner of said floor section and the other of said supports being positioned near the other two corners of said iloor section and spaced inwardly from the outer edge of said floor section, each of said supports having a plate secured to the upper end thereof, said plates extending beyond the outer edges of said floor section, said floor section being secured to said plates to support said floor, foundation means, the lower end of said supports being connected to said foundation means, two elongated sided angle columns, one end portion of each of said columns being secured to said floor section adjacent opposite ends of said angle iron and projecting upwardly therefrom, the sides of said column defining a degree angle, a lintel, the ends of said lintel being secured to the other end portions of said angle columns, a triangular shaped roof section, said roof section being dimensioned so as to overlie said floor section, the lower side of said roof section being secured to the upper longitudinal side of said lintel with said roof section being supported by said columns and said lintel, an overhang, said overhang extending from the outer edge of said roof section, said overhang and roof section being covered with a roofing material, a wall section, said wall section having an inner wall panel, a frame secured to the outside surface of said inner wall panel and positioned at the edges thereof, an outer wall panel secured to said frame and projecting beyond the sides thereof, the lower portion of said wooden frame having a centrally located slot, said upwardly projecting side of said angle iron being received in said elongated slot in said lower portion of said frame of said wall section, said projecting portion of said outer wall panel of said wall section overlapping the outer edge of said floor section, said lintel, and said angle columns, an elongated outer closure plate engaging the vertical outer edge surface portion of said wall section and adapted in use to sealingly engage a similar adjacent wall section, and means to secure said plate in sealing relationship to said wall section, said subunit being constructed and adapted so that a plurality of said subunits of said hexagonal building structure can be assembled together to provide a compact unitary building structure.

(References on following page) References (Iited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Brock July 29, 1879 Sauve et a1 Aug. 12, 1924 Lightfoot Dec. 25, 1934 McRorey May 3, 1938 Corbett et a1 Dec. 6, 1938 Gray Feb. 21, 1939 Whitmore July 16, 1940 Hansen Sept. 16, 1941 Goudy Sept. 19, 1944 MacKenzie Oct. 3, 1944 12 Hitchins Dec. 26, 1944 Closs Sept. 10, 1946 Smith Oct. 18, 1949 Rapp Mar. 25, 1952 Jones Jan. 17, 1956 Deam Jan. 26, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS Australia 1958 Italy 1943 Canada 1959 Great Britain 1946 Germany 1953 

2. A HEXAGONAL PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, SEVEN SUPPORTS, ONE OF SAID SUPPORTS BEING POSITIONED AT THE CENTER OF SAID BUILDING STRUCTURE AND THE REMAINING SUPPORTS BEING EQUALLY SPACED RADIALLY THEREFROM AND EQUALLY SPACED FROM ADJACENT SUPPORTS, EACH OF SAID SUPPORTS HAVING A FLAT PLATE SECURED TO THE UPPER EDGE THEREOF AND BEING CONNECTED TO A CONCRETE FOUNDATION PAD AT THE LOWER END THEREOF, AN INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF EACH OF SAID SUPPORTS BEING HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE, AND A PLURALITY OF EQUILATERAL TRIANGULAR SHAPED SUBUNITS, EACH OF SAID SUBUNITS HAVING A FLOOR SECTION, EACH OF SAID FLOOR SECTIONS HAVING UPPER AND LOWER PANELS WITH INSULATING MATERIAL THEREBETWEEN, EACH OF SAID FLOOR SECTIONS BEING BOLTED TO A PORTION OF SAID PLATE ON SAID CENTER SUPPORT AND TO A PORTION OF SAID PLATES ON TWO OF SAID OTHER SUPPORTS WITH ADJACENT ONES OF SAID FLOOR SECTIONS POSITIONED IN ABUTTING RELATION, THE UPPER SURFACE OF SAID UPPER PANEL OF EACH OF SAID FLOOR SECTIONS HAVING AN ANGLE IRON SECURED THERETO AND POSITIONED ADJACENT THE OUTER EDGE THEREOF, EACH OF SAID ANGLE IRONS HAVING ONE SIDE THEREOF PROJECTING UPWARDLY, EACH OF SAID TRIANGULAR SUBUNITS HAVING TWO ELONGATED AND EQUAL SIDED ANGLE COLUMNS, ONE END PORTION OF EACH OF SAID COLUMNS OF EACH OF SAID SUBUNITS BEING SECURED TO SAID UPPER PANEL OF SAID FLOOR SECTION ADJACENT THE ENDS OF SAID ANGLE IRON AND PROJECTING UPWARDLY THEREFROM, THE SIDES OF EACH OF SAID ANGLE COLUMNS DEFINING A 60 DEGREE ANGLE, THE ADJACENT SIDES OF SAID ANGLE COLUMNS OF ADJACENT TRIANGULAR SUBUNITS BEING SPACED FROM EACH OTHER IN GENERALLY PARALLEL PLANES, EACH OF SAID TRIANGULAR SUBUNITS HAVING A GENERALLY CHANNELSHAPED LINTEL MEMBER SECURED TO THE OTHER END PORTION OF SAID ANGLE COLUMNS AND BEING SECURED IN ITS END PORTIONS TO ADJACENT ONES OF SAID LINTELS, AND A ROOF, SAID ROOF BEING CONSTRUCTED OF SIX TRIANGULAR ROOF SECTIONS, EACH OF SAID ROOF SECTIONS BEING DIMENSIONED SO AS TO OVERLIE ONE OF SAID FLOOR SECTIONS OF SAID TRIANGULAR SUBUNITS, SAID ROOF 